Oil & Gas Accountability: Guyana has repaid ExxonMobil the full cost of seven approved oil projects, but still hasn’t started receiving its full 50% profits under the 2016 PSA, raising fresh questions about the cost-recovery “cost bank” timeline. Energy Reliability & Procurement: Letters to the editor renew concerns over government’s plan to extend the Karpowership power contract for GPL, with critics calling for more transparency and questioning whether diesel-based floating generation is the best value. Local Industry Upgrade: ExxonMobil says local shore base operations are helping it fast-track offshore work, pointing to in-country fabricated pipework delivered to international standards. Mining Governance: Opposition leaders accuse regulators of a “double standard” after large-scale mining equipment was mobilised on quarry-linked lands, while small-scale and Indigenous miners faced tougher enforcement. Orange Economy Execution: A fresh critique says the Orange Economy consultation at the Arthur Chung Centre turned into a “sad trombone” moment, with creatives complaining about limited time and outdated approaches. Local Ownership Push: President Ali unveiled plans for a national mining consortium to expand citizen ownership in large-scale gold ventures, aiming to pool capital and buy world-class technology. Trade Risk: A former U.S. trade official warns proposed U.S. tariffs tied to forced-labour probes could hit Guyana’s emerging exports, even if major commodities are exempt. Construction Standards: GNBS will showcase construction standards at the International Building Expo 2026, focusing on quality and safety requirements for manufacturers and contractors. Tech & Drones: A Guyanese-led drone and geospatial joint venture with a Canadian firm was launched to support energy, maritime, and offshore inspections.